JCFS engages congregational leadership – clergy, professional and lay-leaders in learning about the impact of abuse across the lifespan, mental health, addiction and recovery.  

 

Clergy, staff and other leaders increase their understanding of the impacts of abuse, mental health, addiction and recovery in the Jewish community, including the legal obligations to intervene. Congregants learn more about community resources and how to feel more comfortable turning to the rabbi and other synagogue leaders for support and guidance. Our staff can guide a congregation in reviewing and development of individualized programs, policies, protocols and best practices. 

For more information contact Elizabeth Ury, MAJPS, Director of Jewish Community Engagement, 847.745.5421. 

Topics Addressed

  • Keeping children safe  
  • Teen dating violence, with Response for Teens 
  • Adult intimate partner violence, with SHALVA  
  • Abuse and neglect of older adults, with CJE SeniorLife 
  • Substance use, misuse and addiction  
  • Mental health, crisis intervention and suicide prevention 

Safer Synagogues has been facilitated in over 35 Chicago area synagogues since its inception. 

Boundaries, Abuse and Supporting Communities Training  
JCFS offers training for religious school educators, b’nai mitzvah tutors and other synagogue staff and volunteers on establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries, the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, and responding to disclosures or suspicions of abuse and neglect.  

To report suspicions or knowledge of child abuse or neglect, call the DCFS Hotline at 1.800.25.ABUSE (1.800.252.2873)  

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to help

We're Here

to Help.

For assistance or more information, call us at 855.275.5237 or email us at Ask@JCFS.org.